IN PICTURES: Staffordshire Air Cadets celebrate 75th anniversary with Penkridge march
More than 150 air cadets paraded through a Staffordshire town to celebrate a milestone anniversary.
The Staffordshire Wing Air Cadets celebrated the 75th anniversary of the national Air Cadet organisation with the march in Penkridge.
Cadets and staff from Staffordshire and the Black Country joined squadrons across the country in celebrating three quarters of a century of existence.
Starting out at Market Place, cadets and the cadet band paraded down Market Street and up Stafford Road, before arriving at St Michael and All Angels Church in Church Road.
They were joined at the church by VIP guests Lord Lieutenant of Staffordshire Ian Dudson, and RAF veteran Dr Les Dobinson, who was a founder member of the air cadets in 1941.
As part of the celebrations, a torch designed by Sergeant Hannah Sollom, aged 17, from the Fordhouses squadron, was lit, and will be carried between squadrons in the area in a number of ways between now and July, with some crews planning to abseil with it and carry it on a tractor.
Lord Lieutenant Dobson then delivered a celebratory speech, in which he thanked volunteers and told everyone to get ready for a big year of celebrations, before Dr Dobinson shared tales of his illustrious RAF career with youngsters. Dr Dobinson, who was recently awarded the French Legion D'honneur, was part of a covert D-Day operation on Omaha Beach in support of the Americans.
Wing Commander Sharrard-Williams said: "It was a fantastic day, the weather held up for us and everyone enjoyed it including the staff and VIPs.
"There was lots of support from cadet's parents and relatives, but lots of people were stopping in the street to watch as well as people in their cars.
"It's just the start of the celebrations this year, so there is plenty to look forward to.
"We are a strong unit and have some fantastic young cadets.
"We are always open to taking more cadets, there is no limit. But we are crying out for volunteers at the moment, so if anyone who is over 20 would like to help out with some activities, please get in touch."
The next engagement for the cadets is a camp event at Swynnerton in Stone.
And on September 3, 1,000 cadets will descend on Stafford town centre for another parade.
